Birds, Bears & Belugas

July 21st to July 30th 2005.
Our adventure in northern Manitoba in and around Churchill.

Monday, August 01, 2005

Here is a partial map of North America. Churchill sits right on the Hudson Bay about 59 degrees north. Please read this webblog from the bottom up, as the latest entry is on the very top.... Have fun !

Sunday, July 31, 2005

And on that very last night we got lucky one more time. Wally called us out around midnight to show us these northern lights ! They typically can be seen from November to March, but we were treated to an early preview !! What a way to say goodbye !!Photo by Michael Poliza

It's not like there are Polar Bears everywhere. But if you see them you want to be careful. They are huge and can be quite inquisitive to put it in a nice way....That's why the guides ( this is Ian) always carry weapons and bear bangers with them...Photo by Michael Poliza

when the ice in the Hudson Bay breaks up in the summer the bears swim back to land. They are excellent swimmers and often they cover a distance of more than a hundred miles (160 km)Photo by Michael Poliza

There is quite a tidal range, and if there is much to see on the water, you might be coming too late to drive the boat all the way back to the lodge. Then it's a quick walk in shallow waters.Photo by Michael Poliza

Here is part of the Seal River Lodge Team. Brandon, Ian, Mike & Dennis (from left to right). Mike and his wife Jeannie own and manage the Lodge. Ian & Brandon are guiding the Zodiac tours and Dennis is the resident Photographer...Photo by Michael Poliza

After a two nights in town, we were ready to check out the Wilderness. Sabi and I jumped on the Webber Lodge's float plane, loaded lots of gear and provisions and were enroute to the Seal River...Photo by Michael Poliza

They might come right up to you and feel you out. This one swam directly next to the boat for a few minutes and kept on checking what we were doing. The photo was taken from the boat through the water. But keep in mind that the waters are not always this clear.Photo by Michael Poliza